OS X Mavericks: Dictation preferences

This article has been archived and is no longer updated by Apple.
Dictation preferences

Use Dictation preferences to turn on dictation and choose a language and shortcut key.

Option Description

Dictation: On/Off

Turn dictation on and off.

Use Enhanced Dictation

If you use Enhanced Dictation, your Mac converts your words to text without sending any information to Apple. If you select this option, you’re prompted to download the language data your Mac needs for voice recognition. Your text appears as you speak, and you can use the keyboard, mouse, or trackpad to edit as you go.

If you don’t use Enhanced Dictation, your words are sent to Apple servers to be analyzed, helping your Mac understand what you’re saying. This method takes advantage of the latest language data.

Language

Choose your language. Dictation is not available in all languages.

You can download multiple languages.

Shortcut

By default, you press the Fn (Function) key twice to start dictation. If you like, you can choose a different shortcut from the menu.

To create a shortcut that’s not in the list, choose Customize, then press the keys you want to use. You can press two or more keys to create your shortcut.

About Dictation and Privacy

Click to see a message about how Dictation works with personal information such as your first name, your contacts, and other data.

Last Modified: Oct 20, 2015
Helpful?

Additional Product Support Information